Using LinkedIn's "Open to Work" feature has stirred a heated debate among professionals, with many questioning its efficacy in the job search process. Fortune reported that about 40 million people activated the "Open to Work" feature on LinkedIn last July, signaling to their network that they are open to job offers . This move was prompted by the rollout of the "#OpenToWork" banner by LinkedIn in 2020, specifically to address the sudden unemployment surge during the pandemic. While the banner has garnered mixed reactions, it has led to a 40% increase in InMails from recruiters for those who used the #OpenToWork photo frame.
Some experts have raised concerns about the "desperate" image associated with the banner, warning that it may lead to lowball offers and inundation by irrelevant recruiter messages. Victoria McLean, the CEO of Hanover Talent Solutions, pointed out that the banner could be perceived as desperate, amateurish, and a sign of being overly eager for a new role, potentially deterring would-be employers . Similarly, James Caan, a recruitment entrepreneur and former Dragon's Den star, emphasized the importance of avoiding the badge unless one is desperate, due to the risk of unintentionally appearing as if they are struggling to find work, which could result in lowball offers during the subsequent negotiations.
Despite these concerns, there are advocates of the "Open to Work" banner. Lewis Maleh, the CEO of Bentley Lewis, highlighted the significance of visibility for job seekers, noting that candidates need to be visible to attract opportunities. Additionally, James Barrett, the managing director at Michael Page Technology, believes that the #OpenToWork banner can actually set a candidate apart in the job search process, indicating seriousness about the job search, as opposed to deterring potential employers.
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about the "Open to Work" feature potentially sabotaging the job search process, there are proponents who emphasize the empowerment and proactive nature of being visible and flagged to recruiters. Ultimately, the efficacy of using the feature varies depending on individual circumstances and the specific complexities of the job market [citation:9].
Job losses at U.S.-based employers spiked in August to a five-month high of just over 75,000 cut positions for the month, a signal of economic uncertainty and a softening labor market, according to a new report from career services firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
Key Facts
The number of job cuts in August was a 193% jump from those announced in July and the highest single-month level since March.
With the exclusion of 2020, last month was the August with the most job cuts since August of 2009, when 76,456 layoffs were recorded.
Overall, 536,421 job cuts have been announced this year, down 3.7% from the same time in 2023.
The technology sector led the month in cuts, as it has much of the year, with 39,563 in August, a reflection of what firm senior vice president Andrew Challenger says demonstrates the industry's shift from growth and innovation focus to profitability and efficiency.
Tech firms like Cisco, Intel, Scale AI, and Infineon, among others, all announced job cuts last month.
The education sector is responsible for the second-highest number of cuts so far this year with 25,396—222% higher than had been announced through August of last year—followed by the entertainment/leisure industry (21,686 in 2024) and industrial manufacturing (17,828 cuts through August).
Big Number
Nearly 80,000. That's how many employees companies have announced plans to hire so far this year, down 41% from the 135,980 recorded through August last year and the lowest year-to-date total since Challenger began tracking in 2005.
Key Background
The cuts announced in August, combined with the relative lack of hiring plans and job turnover data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday, point to signs that “the labor market overall is softening,” Challenger said. The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey found that job openings fell to their lowest level in more than three years in July, bringing the ratio of job openings per available worker down to less than 1.1. The lower number of openings and rising unemployment have made it harder for jobseekers to find work—fueling fears of a recession—Federal Reserve officials are expected to lower interest rates when they meet later this month, which could encourage more hiring by lowering borrowing costs.